WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. — This much we know about the 2018 Astros' lineup: George Springer will lead off, José Altuve will bat third, and Carlos Correa will bat fourth. What manager A.J. Hinch has yet to commit to — and might not until Opening Day — is the identify of his 2-hole hitter.

Hinch's lack of a reveal, however, isn't because he is being coy. It's because he doesn't plan to have a set No. 2 hitter like he does at the aforementioned three batting order positions. The spot between Springer and Altuve will see a rotating cast of players, as it did for much of last season.

“I guess I just don't stay up at night worrying about that part of the lineup,” Hinch said on Wednesday.

Hinch doesn't hurt for options. Alex Bregman, a budding star, and Josh Reddick, coming off a career-best offensive season, should account for most of the at-bats from the 2-hole. Marwin González, also coming off a career-best...

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